Television in the USA

Plan

I. Broadcasting system

II. Television networks

III. Omnipresence in our lives

I. Broadcasting systemMany ways to receive TV channels :• broadcast ("over-the-air") / radiofrequencies• unencrypted satellite ("free-to-air")• direct broadcast satellite• cable television• IPTV (internet protocol television)

I. Broadcasting system

Streaming services on the internet : give access to tv series or films after their release

I. Broadcasting system4 time zones

Same local time : - Eastern & Pacific- Central, Mountain,

Alaska & Hawaii

Same universal time:- Eastern & Central- Pacific & Alaska

(+2)2pm EST7pm UTC

1pm CST7pm UTC

1pm MST8pm UTC

2pm PST10pm UTC

1pm AKST10pm UTC

1pm HST11pm UTC

I. Broadcasting systemThe United States has a decentralized, market-oriented television system.

Local media markets have their own television stations, which may be affiliated with or owned and operated by a national network.

Some local programs, like newscasts, are produced directly by local stations.

II. Television networksThe Big Three dominated the television market from the 1950’s to the late 1980’s

II. Television networksContrary to the previous networks, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is a non-profit television network.It provides programs about :Education, culture, history, public affairs, science, art…Known for rebroadcasting some british shows

II. Television networksCable and satellites networks require subscription fees.Most of cable and satellites channels are specialized.

III. Omnipresence in our lives99% of american households have a television2/3 of them have 3 or moreAverage american : 5h of TV each dayAverage american youth :• 1500 h/year watching Tv• only 900 h/year at school

III. Omnipresence in our livesAdvertisement : about 18 min in 1h of televisionIn-show brand appearanceInfluence people by linking products to emotions, success or famous charactersMost present topic in tv commercials : food

III. Omnipresence in our livesIn August 2012, a poll showed that 7 of the 10 most popular tv series in France are coming from America.Most of the french successfull series have a different format (less than 5 minutes or more than 1 hour).

III. Omnipresence in our livesA tool for spreading american culture around the worldPeople learn many things about America in the series :• Geography (States, Cities,… )• Government organisation (ex: 24, The West Wing…)• Criminal Justice (ex : CSI, Law & Order…)• History (ex : Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire…)

ConclusionThe size of the US territory requires a complexe system of broadcasting.Almost every american have access to a TV, and most of them pay TV subscriptions to have access to specialized channels.The most popular shows in the US are exported around the world.

Sources• Nielsen’s Television Audience Report for 2010-2011• http://www.usa.org/television/• http://

www.nyu.edu/classes/stephens/History%20of%20Television%20page.htm• http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html• http://brusimm.com/television-ads-are-taking-over-our-tv-hours/• http://

www.huffingtonpost.fr/2012/09/18/series-tv-france-esprits-criminels-mentalist-ncis_n_1893934.html

• http://www.americans-world.org/digest/global_issues/globalization/culture.cfm